Now that school is starting up again in most parts of the world, we teachers face various challenges to our weight loss program that we can and will overcome. Let's help inspire each other, ok?
What are some of the changes, obstacles, or special circumstances that you will face as summer vacation ends, and how are you planning to cope with them?
For example: Over the summer, I've been fixing healthy lunches at home and enjoying DH's company at lunchtime. Now, I'll be eating alone, and will have to pack a lunch for each of us in the mornings. So this weekend, I'm stocking up on V8, fruit cups, fresh fruit, lean sandwich meats, Boca burgers, and 2% cheese. Will also bake and freeze stuff like lowfat muffins, no pudge brownies, and/or lowfat cookies, and will make a pot of WW veggie soup. (Would appreciate your suggestions on what to pack, too!)
I start back in about two weeks time. Can't believe that summer has gone by so quickly. I have a really challenging year ahead of me, too.
I'm pretty good at packing healthy lunches and snacks for school. The challenge for me is going to be making sure that there is lots of healthy fruit and snacks to pack. Gonna have to get better about grocery shopping, I guess. I've gotten lazy this summer. I have the inspiration of knowing I'm going to Cuba in February, so that should help to keep me on track!
Thanks so much, Spinsky!
I'm with you, this summer was way too short! But I'm really psyched up for the new school year. Just finished meeting all my new students, and they are SO great!
Re: snacks, have you seen the new Dole Fruit Bowls? I just had the pineapple one (one point, generous serving, teeny little fork included) and it was delicious! They also have peaches, mandarin oranges, and tropical fruit, though I haven't tried those yet.
Good luck to you too! Have a terrific year ...
Regards,
Jan
I also like the Dole Fruit Cups. I actually find I lose more weight during the school year because I don't have access to food in the classroom like I do at home. DM
I find that I am better when I am at home in the summer. I can adjust my schedule to fit my easting habits better. At school, I eat lunch at 11:15 and that kills me. I am starving when the students leave at 3:30. I will basically eat anything! I do try and have some good snacks with me, but that doesn't always work. I am a teacher who uses a lot of food in my room. I always have M&M's, cereal, we cook a lot, etc. Sometimes, I go to grab those before I grab the better stuff. Another problem is finding time to pack myself a healthful lunch and snack. I try to do this the night before, but I am usually so tired and find other things to do instead. I guess I need to find time for myself. I have a family, I stay at school until at least 6 or 7 every night, I go in on sundays, I am working on my Master's also. I can't believe the summer is gone and the hectic schedules will start again. I am hoping I can be a good girl and stay within my points. I congratulate anybody who can do this! Thanks for listening to me.
Daisy, I know what you mean; I was starting to prowl my kitchen this summer too, whether I was hungry or not. But I will miss having the time to fix/peel/wash/cook etc. all those veggies at lunchtime!
Mrs. Katz, 11:15, that's awful! No wonder you're hungry by 3:30! Is there any chance for you to grab a quick, healthy snack in the afternoon? It sounds like you have an incredibly hectic schedule. I sure hope you can find some time for yourself in there somewhere. And I know what you mean about being tired in the evenings. As you continue Program, though, you will hopefully feel less and less tired, in spite of those long days. (I know it made a big difference for me. Have been lifetime for a year, after losing 100 pounds, but am working to reach a personal goal of about 12 pounds less.) Best of luck with your program, your Master's degree, and the new school year!
Regards,
Jan
Thanks Jan! You are an inspiration! Sometimes i feel like I will never get to goal. I have gained and lost the same 1000 pounds year after year. Keep up the great work and thanks again for your good wishes.
I am a preschool teacher (2yr olds) and in the afternoon I'm the aide for the multi-age class (3/4yr olds).
My biggest fear about going back is we have a snack in the morning and afternoon and it's "family style". We all eat the same thing. That is where I find I have the worst time. If I can just eat the fruit I'd be okay, but my willpower isn't the greatest!!
I always have a big, filling breakfast and can sometimes pass by the morning snack. We only have about 15 minutes between classes (by the time the morning kids leave) and that's used to set up for the afternoon class, so there's not much time to have a salad or sandwich. By afternoon snack, I'm usually famished!!
Mrs. Katz, I know that feeling too (that goal is too far off), but I know you can reach it! Just take it one day at a time, and enjoy every little victory along the way. They add up! It took me a long time, slow & steady, but it was SO worth it! My previous tries at "dieting" didn't work because I wasn't changing my lifestyle and exercising; this WW program is more a way of life than a diet, I really believe.
Hi Felicia! Wow, two to four year olds, all day long, and no real lunch break? That's awful; any way they could schedule you a bit more time midday? Re: filling snacks, the WW magazine just came out with this list of foods that are most satisfying: cantaloupe, chicken/rice/veggie soup, fat-free plain yogurt, oatmeal, grapes, reduced-fat chocolate milk, black beans, corn on the cob, broiled orange roughy, and extra-lean ham. Some of those would be really hard to have during the day, but maybe a yogurt, milk or grapes would work? And the WW book lists "20 portable snacks with 2 pts or less" on pg. 27. Also, I read somewhere that oranges were very filling, though I find apples easier to manage and very satisfying. My dh also works at an elementary school, and does lunch duty too, bless him, so sometimes he takes a slim-fast along to sip while he works. In a pinch, at least it helps stave off hunger a bit! Good luck with the snack time challenge; I'm sure you'll do just fine! Have a great year...
Regards,
Jan
Calling all teachers ...
